Ethylene/alpha-olefin/diene interpolymer

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a composition comprising a first composition, comprises a first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the following properties: a) a molecular weight distribution MWD(conv)≥3.50, and b) a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥250,000 g/mole.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of International ApplicationPCT/CN16/083875, filed May 30, 2016, and incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

There is a need today for new EPDM resins that have improved properties,such as melt elasticity, mixing performance, processability, high curingspeed and good curing efficiency, as compared to conventional EPDM-basedcompositions Conventional EPDM-based compositions are described in thefollowing references: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,973,017, 5,698,651, 6,686,419,6,319,998, 6,331,600, US20080064818, US20140336290, US20120059123,US20110160323, WO2007/136494, WO2007/136496, WO2007/136497,WO2013/096573, WO2007136494, WO2014/084892, WO2014/084893,WO2014/084892, WO2016/003878, WO2016/003879, WO2016/003880, EP708117A1,However, there is a need for new compositions that have excellent meltelasticity, compound mixing, processability, and good curing properties.This need has been met by the following invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention provides a composition comprising a first composition,which comprises a first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, and wherein the first composition comprises the followingproperties:

-   -   a) a molecular weight distribution MWD(conv)≥3.50, and    -   b) a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥250,000 g/mole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the curing profiles of an inventive composition andcomparative compositions, each cured by RPA, at 160° C. for 25 minutes.

FIG. 2 depicts the curing profiles of an inventive composition andcomparative compositions, each cured by RPA, at 180° C. for 25 minutes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

New ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer compositionshave been discovered that provide a low viscosity amorphous interpolymermolecular design (amorphous, long chain branched interpolymers asdescribed herein). The interpolymer has high flowability, fast curerate, fast property build, high green strength and low iridescence, tomeet current needs for faster rubber extrusion processes and fasterinjection molding processes.

As discussed above, the invention provides a composition comprising afirst composition, which comprises a firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, and wherein thefirst composition comprises the following properties:

-   -   a) a molecular weight distribution MWD(conv)≥3.50, and    -   b) a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥250,000 g/mole.        Mz is determined from conventional GPC.

The inventive composition may comprise a combination of two or moreembodiments described herein.

The first composition may comprise a combination of two or moreembodiments described herein.

The first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene may comprise acombination of two or more embodiments described herein.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt %or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, or incombination with any one or more embodiments described herein, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a molecular weightdistribution MWD(conv)≥3.55, or ≥3.60, or ≥3.70, or ≥3.80, or ≥3.90 or≥4.00, or ≥4.10, or ≥4.20, or ≥4.30, or ≥4.40, or ≥4.50. In a furtherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt %, or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or≥99 wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a molecular weightdistribution MWD(conv)≥4.60, or ≥4.70, or ≥4.80, or ≥4.90, or ≥5.00. Ina further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a molecular weightdistribution MWD(conv)≤9.00, or ≤8.50, or ≤8.00, or ≤7.50, or ≤7.00, or≤6.50. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt%, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥255,000 g/mole, or ≥260,000 g/mole, or ≥270,000g/mole, or ≥280,000 g/mole, or ≥290,000 g/mole, or ≥300,000 g/mole, or≥310,000 g/mole, or ≥320,000 g/mole, or ≥330,000 g/mole, or ≥340,000g/mole, or ≥350,000 g/mole. In a further embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. In anotherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. Mz is determined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥360,000 g/mole, or ≥380,000 g/mole, or ≥400,000g/mole, or ≥420,000 g/mole, or ≥440,000 g/mole. In a further embodiment,the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥450,000 g/mole, or ≥460,000 g/mole, or ≥470,000g/mole, or ≥480,000 g/mole, or ≥490,000 g/mole, ≥500,000 g/mole. In afurther embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt% or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]≤1,000,000 g/mole, or ≤950,000 g/mole, or ≤900,000g/mole, or ≤850,000 g/mole, or ≤800,000 g/mole, ≤750,000 g/mole. In afurther embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt% or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≤55, or≤50, or ≤45, or ≤40, or ≤35. Mooney viscosity is that of the firstcomposition without filler and without oil. In a further embodiment, thefirst composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%,or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Inanother embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt% or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≥10, or≥15, or ≥20, or ≥25. Mooney viscosity is that of the first compositionwithout filler and without oil. In a further embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. In anotherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a tan delta (0.1 rad/sec,190° C.)≥0.90, or ≥0.95, or ≥1.00, or ≥1.05, or ≥1.10, ≥1.15, or ≥1.20.In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a tan delta (0.1 rad/sec,190° C.)≤2.00, or ≤1.95, or ≤1.90, or ≤1.85, or ≤1.80, or ≤1.75, or≤1.70, or ≤1.65, or ≤1.60. In a further embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. In anotherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a tan delta (0.1 rad/sec,190° C.)] from 0.90 to 1.60, or from 0.95 to 1.55, or from 1.00 to 1.50,or from 1.05 to 1.45, or from 1.10 to 1.40, or from 1.15 to 1.35. In afurther embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt% or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]/(MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≥9,000 g/mole, or ≥9,200 g/mole,or ≥9,400 g/mole, or ≥9,600 g/mole, or ≥9,800 g/mole, or ≥10,000 g/mole,or ≥10,200 g/mole, or ≥10,400 g/mole, or ≥10,600 g/mole, or ≥10,800g/mole. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt%, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]/(MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≤24,000 g/mole, or ≤23,500g/mole, or ≤23,000 g/mole, or ≤22,500 g/mole, or ≤22,000 g/mole, or≤21,500 g/mole, or ≤21,000 g/mole, or ≤20,500 g/mole, or ≤20,000 g/mole.In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a rheology ratio RR=[V (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.)/V (100 rad/sec, 190° C.)]≥15, or ≥18, or ≥20, or ≥22,or ≥24, or ≥26. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum ofthe first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and asecond ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based onthe weight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a rheology ratio RR=[V (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.)/V (100 rad/sec, 190° C.)]≤50, or ≤48, or ≤46, or ≤44,or ≤42, or ≤40, or ≤38, or ≤36, or ≤35. In a further embodiment, thefirst composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%,or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. Inanother embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt% or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/-alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene, and the first compositionhas a diene content from 6.0 to 10.0 wt %, or from 6.5 to 9.5 wt %, orfrom 7.0 to 9.0 wt %, based on the sum weight of two interpolymers. In afurther embodiment, the alpha-olefin of the second interpolymer is thesame alpha-olefin of the first interpolymer. In a further embodiment,the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the sum of first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer and the second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene, and the first compositionhas an ethylene content from 40 to 70 wt %, or from 45 to 65 wt %, orfrom 50 to 60 wt %, based on the sum weight of two interpolymers. In afurther embodiment, the alpha-olefin of the second interpolymer is thesame alpha-olefin of the first interpolymer. In a further embodiment,the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and the secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene, and the first compositionhas an alpha-olefin content from 30 to 50 wt %, or from 35 to 45 wt %,or from 30 to 40 wt %, based on the sum weight of two interpolymers. Ina further embodiment, the alpha-olefin of the second interpolymer is thesame alpha-olefin of the first interpolymer. In a further embodiment,the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and the secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene, and wherein the weight ratioof the first interpolymer to the second interpolymer is from 0.40 to0.80, or from 0.45 to 0.75, or from 0.50 to 0.70. In a furtherembodiment, the alpha-olefin of the second interpolymer is the samealpha-olefin of the first interpolymer. In a further embodiment, thefirst composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%,or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer and the second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises oneethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer (firstinterpolymer), and has a diene content from 6.0 to 10.0 wt %, or from6.5 to 9.5 wt %, or from 7.0 to 9.0 wt %, based on the sum weight of theinterpolymer. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises oneethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer (firstinterpolymer), and has an ethylene content from 40 to 70 wt %, or from45 to 65 wt %, or from 50 to 60 wt %, based on the sum weight of theinterpolymer. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises oneethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer (firstinterpolymer), and has an alpha-olefin content from 30 to 50 wt %, orfrom 35 to 45 wt %, or from 30 to 40 wt %, based on the weight of theinterpolymer. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises twoethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymers, and eachinterpolymer has a diene content from 6.0 to 10.0 wt %, or from 6.5 to9.5 wt %, or from 7.0 to 9.0 wt %, based on the weight of theinterpolymer. In a further embodiment, each interpolymer has the samealpha-olefin. In a further embodiment, the first composition comprises≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum ofthe first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and asecond ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based onthe weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises twoethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymers, and eachinterpolymer has an ethylene content from 40 to 70 wt %, or from 45 to65 wt %, or from 50 to 60 wt %, based on the weight of the interpolymer.In a further embodiment, each interpolymer has the same alpha-olefin. Ina further embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98 wt %, or ≥99 wt % of the first composition, based on theweight of the composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition further comprises a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, and wherein thesecond ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer differsfrom the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymerin one or more of the following properties, Mw_(conv), Mn_(conv),MWD_(conv), MV (ML1+4, 125° C.), wt % diene (based on the weight of theinterpolymer), and/or wt % ethylene (based on the weight of theinterpolymer). In a further embodiment, each interpolymer has the samealpha-olefin.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer differs from the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymer in one or more of the following properties,Mw_(conv), Mn_(conv), MWD_(conv), and/or MV (ML1+4, 125° C.), or in oneor more of the following properties, Mw_(conv), Mn_(conv), and/orMWD_(conv), or in Mw_(conv). In a further embodiment, each interpolymerhas the same alpha-olefin.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the second ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt %or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98 wt %, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and the secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition has a Mooney Viscosity (1+4, 100° C.)from 50 to 100, or from 55 to 95, or from 60 to 90.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition further comprises an oil.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the weight ratio of the first composition to the oilis from 2/1 to 4/1.

Oils include, but are not limited to, petroleum oils, such asparaffinic, aromatic and naphthenic oils; polyalkylbenzene oils; andorganic acid monoesters.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition further comprises one or more fillers.

Suitable fillers include, but are not limited to, clay, calciumcarbonate, talc, carbon black, and mineral fibers.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, wherein the composition comprises less than 1.0 wt %,further less than 0.5 wt %, further less than 0.1 wt % of apropylene-based polymer.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, wherein the composition does not contain a couplingagent, for example, an azide compound or a peroxide.

An inventive composition may comprise one or more additional additives.Suitable additives include, but are not limited to, fillers,antioxidants, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, colorants or pigments,crosslinking agents, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition further comprises a crosslinkingagent. Crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to,sulfur-containing compounds, such as elemental sulfur,4,4′-dithiodimorpholine, thiuram di- and polysulfides, alkylphenoldisulfides, and 2-morpholino-dithiobenzothiazole; and peroxides, such asdi-tertbutyl peroxide, tertbutylcumyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tertbutylperoxy) hexane,di-(tertbutylperoxy-isopropyl)benzene, tertbutyl peroxybenzoate and1,1-di-(tertbutylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane.

The invention also provides a crosslinked composition formed from aninventive composition of one or more embodiments described herein.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, an inventive composition further comprises athermoplastic polymer. Polymers, include, but are not limited to,propylene-based polymers, ethylene-base polymers, and olefin multi-blockinterpolymers. Suitable ethylene-base polymers include, but are notlimited to, high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra lowdensity polyethylene (ULDPE), homogeneously branched linearethylene/α-olefin interpolymers, and homogeneously branchedsubstantially linear ethylene/α-olefin interpolymers (that ishomogeneously branched long chain branched ethylene/α-olefininterpolymers).

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the composition comprises greater than, or equal to,70 weight percent, or greater than, or equal to, 75 weight percent, orgreater than, or equal to, 80 weight percent, of the first composition,based on the weight of the composition. In a further embodiment, thefirst composition comprises greater than, or equal to, 70 weightpercent, or greater than, or equal to, 75 weight percent, or greaterthan, or equal to, 80 weight percent, of the sum of the first and secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymers, based on theweight of the first composition. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In afurther embodiment, each diene is ENB.

The invention also provides an article comprising at least one componentformed from an inventive composition of one embodiment, or a combinationof two or more embodiments, described herein.

Ethylene/α-Olefin/Non-Conjugated Polyenes Interpolymers

Each ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, for the firstcomposition described herein, comprise, independently, in polymerizeform, ethylene, an α-olefin, and a non-conjugated diene. Suitableexamples of α-olefins include the C3-C20 α-olefins, further C3-C10α-olefins, and preferably propylene. Suitable examples of non-conjugatedpolyenes include the C4-C40 non-conjugated dienes.

For each interpolymer, independently, the α-olefin may be either analiphatic or an aromatic compound. The α-olefin is preferably a C3-C20aliphatic compound, preferably a C3-C16 aliphatic compound, and morepreferably a C3-C10 aliphatic compound. Preferred C3-C10 aliphaticα-olefins are selected from the group consisting of propylene, 1-butene,1-hexene and 1-octene, and more preferably propylene. In a furtherembodiment, the interpolymer is an ethylene/propylene/diene (EPDM)terpolymer. In a further embodiment, the diene is5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB).

For each interpolymer, independently, illustrative non-conjugated dienesinclude straight chain acyclic dienes, such as 1,4-hexadiene and1,5-heptadiene; branched chain acyclic dienes, such as5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, 6-methyl-1,5-heptadiene,7-methyl-1,6-octadiene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadiene,3,7-dimethyl-1,7-octadiene, 5,7-dimethyl-1,7-octadiene, 1,9-decadiene,and mixed isomers of dihydromyrcene; single ring alicyclic dienes suchas 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene and 1,5-cyclo-dodecadiene;multi-ring alicyclic fused and bridged ring dienes, such astetrahydroindene, methyl tetrahydroindene; alkenyl, alkylidene,cycloalkenyl and cycloalkylidene norbornenes such as5-methylene-2-norbornene (MNB), 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB),5-vinyl-2-norbornene, 5-propenyl-2-norbornene,5-isopropylidene-2-norbornene, 5-(4-cyclopentenyl)-2-norbornene, and5-cyclohexylidene-2-norbornene. The polyene is preferably anon-conjugated diene selected from the group consisting of ENB,dicyclopentadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene, andpreferably, ENB, dicyclopentadiene and 1,4-hexadiene, more preferablyENB and dicyclopentadiene, and even more preferably ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer comprises a majority amount of polymerized ethylene, basedon the weight of the interpolymer. In a further embodiment, theethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the second ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer comprises a majority amount of polymerized ethylene, basedon the weight of the interpolymer. In a further embodiment, theethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, both first and second ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugateddiene interpolymers, independently, comprise a majority amount ofpolymerized ethylene, based on the weight of the interpolymer. In afurther embodiment, each ethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is anEPDM. In a further embodiment, each diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer has density from 0.860 to 0.900 g/cc, or from 0.860 to0.890 g/cc, or from 0.860 to 0.880 g/cc, or 0.860 to 0.870 g/cc (1 cc=1cm³). In a further embodiment, the interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) greater than, orequal to, 200,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 220,000 g/mole,or greater than, or equal to, 240,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equalto, 260,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 280,000 g/mole. In afurther embodiment, the interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) less than, orequal to, 500,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 450,000 g/mole, orless than, or equal to, 400,000 g/mole. In a further embodiment, theinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

The first ethylene/alpha-olefin/diene interpolymer may comprise acombination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the second ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the second ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer has density from 0.860 to 0.900 g/cc, or from 0.860 to0.890 g/cc, or from 0.860 to 0.880 g/cc, or from 0.860 to 0.870 g/cc (1cc=1 cm³). In a further embodiment, the interpolymer is an EPDM. In afurther embodiment, the diene is ENB.

The second ethylene/alpha-olefin/diene interpolymer may comprise acombination of two or more embodiments as described herein.

First Composition

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, each ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyeneinterpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a weight average molecularweight (Mw) greater than, or equal to, 90,000 g/mole, or greater than,or equal to, 100,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 110,000g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 120,000 g/mole. Mw is determinedfrom conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a weight average molecularweight (Mw) less than, or equal to, 320,000 g/mole, or less than, orequal to, 310,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 290,000 g/mole, orless than, or equal to, 280,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to,270,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 260,000 g/mole. Mw isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a weight average molecularweight (Mw) less than, or equal to, 300,000 g/mole, or less than, orequal to, 250,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 200,000 g/mole. Mwis determined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a number average molecularweight (Mn) greater than, or equal to, 20,000 g/mole, or greater than,or equal to, 25,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 30,000 g/mole.Mn is determined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a number average molecularweight (Mn) less than, or equal to, 60,000 g/mole, or less than, orequal to, 55,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 50,000 g/mole. Mn isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a z average molecular weight(Mz) greater than, or equal to, 300,000 g/mole, or greater than, orequal to, 350,000 g/mole, or greater than, or equal to, 400,000 g/mole.Mz is determined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a z average molecular weight(Mz) less than, or equal to, 800,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to,750,000 g/mole, or less than, or equal to, 700,000 g/mole. Mz isdetermined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a MWD less than, or equalto, 10.00, further less than, or equal to, 9.50, further less than, orequal to, 9.00. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In afurther embodiment, the diene is ENB. MWD is determined fromconventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a MWD greater than, or equalto, 3.50, or greater than, or equal to, 3.55, or greater than, or equalto, 3.60. In a further embodiment, each ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugatedpolyene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene isENB. Mz is determined from conventional GPC.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a viscosity at 0.1 rad/sec,190° C., greater than, or equal to, 45,000 Pa·s, or greater than, orequal to, 50,000 Pa·s, or greater than, or equal to, 55,000 Pa·s. In afurther embodiment, each ethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is anEPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB. In a furtherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/-alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a viscosity at 0.1 rad/sec,190° C., less than, or equal to, 80,000 Pa·s, or less than, or equal to,75,000 Pa·s, or less than, or equal to, 70,000 Pa·s, or less than, orequal to, 65,000 Pa·s, or less than, or equal to, 60,000 Pa·s. In afurther embodiment, the each ethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is anEPDM. In a further embodiment, the diene is ENB. In a furtherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the sum of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In another embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a rheology ratio (V0.1/V100at 190° C.) greater than, or equal to, 10, or greater than, or equal to,15, or greater than, or equal to, 20. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB. In a further embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. In anotherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/-alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, or in combination with any one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the first composition has a rheology ratio (V0.1/V100at 190° C.) less than, or equal to, 50, or less than, or equal to, 45,or less than, or equal to, 40. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB. In a further embodiment, the firstcomposition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99wt % of the sum of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer and a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, based on the weight of the first composition. In anotherembodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt % or ≥97wt %, or ≥98%, ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/-alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, the first composition has a “13C NMR % Peak Area,”which is the {[(13C NMR peak area from 21.3 ppm to 21.8 ppm) divided bythe (total integral area from 19.5 ppm to 22.0 ppm)]×100}, that is ≥5.0percent, or ≥7.0, or ≥10.0 percent, or ≥12.0, or ≥15.0 percent, asdetermined by 13C NMR. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB. In one embodiment, the first compositionhas a “13C NMR % Peak Area,” which is the {[(13C NMR peak area from 21.3ppm to 21.8 ppm) divided by the (total integral area from 19.5 ppm to22.0 ppm)]×100}, that is ≤30.0 percent, or ≤25.0, or ≤20.0 percent, asdetermined by 13C NMR. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, the first composition has a “13C NMR % Peak Area,”which is the {[(13C NMR peak area from 21.3 ppm to 21.8 ppm) divided bythe (total integral area from 19.5 ppm to 22.0 ppm)]×100}, that is from5.0 to, 30.0 percent, or from 10.0 to 25.0 percent, or from 15.0 to 20.0percent, as determined by 13C NMR. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96 wt %or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98 wt %, or ≥99 wt %≥, of the firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer and a secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In another embodiment, the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %, or ≥96wt % or ≥97 wt %, or ≥98%, or ≥99 wt % of the firstethylene/-alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, based on theweight of the first composition.

In one embodiment, the first composition comprises from 40 to 80 weightpercent ethylene, or from 45 to 75 weight percent ethylene, based on theweight of the first composition. In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

In one embodiment, the first composition has density from 0.860 to 0.900g/cc, or from 0.860 to 0.890 g/cc, or from 0.860 to 0.880 g/cc, or from0.860 to 0.870 g/cc (1 cc=1 cm³). In a further embodiment, eachethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer is an EPDM. In a furtherembodiment, the diene is ENB.

The first composition may comprise a combination of two or moreembodiments as described herein.

Applications

The invention also provides an article comprising at least one componentformed from an inventive composition of one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. Articles include, but are not limited to, foams,sheets, molded goods, and extruded parts. Additional articles includeautomotive parts, weather strips, belts, hoses, wire and cablejacketing, flooring materials, gaskets, tires, computer parts, buildingmaterials and footwear components. A skilled artisan can readily augmentthis list without undue experimentation. In one embodiment, the articleis an automotive part.

An inventive article may comprise a combination of two or moreembodiments described herein.

Definitions

Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customaryin the art, all parts and percents are based on weight, and all testmethods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.

The term “composition,” as used herein, includes the material(s), whichcomprise the composition, as well as reaction products and decompositionproducts formed from the materials of the composition. Any reactionproduct or decomposition product is typically present in trace orresidual amounts.

The term “first composition,” as used herein, includes the material(s),which comprise the first composition, as well as reaction products anddecomposition products formed from the materials of the firstcomposition. Any reaction product or decomposition product is typicallypresent in trace or residual amounts. The first composition may contain,for example, one ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene interpolymer,or may contain one such interpolymer and one or more additives. Thefirst composition may contain two or more differentethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene interpolymers, or may containsuch interpolymers and one or more additives.

The term “polymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymeric compoundprepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a differenttype. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer(employed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer,with the understanding that trace amounts of impurities can beincorporated into the polymer structure) and the term interpolymer asdefined hereinafter. Trace amounts of impurities, such as catalystresidues, can be incorporated into and/or within the polymer.

The term “interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to polymers prepared bythe polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The terminterpolymer thus includes the term copolymer (employed to refer topolymers prepared from two different types of monomers) and polymersprepared from more than two different types of monomers.

The term, “olefin-based polymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymerthat comprises, in polymerized form, a majority amount of olefinmonomer, for example ethylene or propylene (based on the weight of thepolymer), and optionally may comprise one or more comonomers.

The term “ethylene-based polymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymerthat comprises, in polymerized form, 50 wt % or a majority weightpercent of ethylene (based on the weight of the polymer), and optionallymay comprise one or more comonomers.

The term “ethylene-based interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to apolymer that comprises, in polymerized form, a 50 wt % or a majorityweight percent of ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer),and at least one comonomer.

The term “ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer,” as usedherein, refers to a polymer that comprises, in polymerized form,ethylene, an α-olefin, and a non-conjugated diene. In one embodiment,the “ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene interpolymer” comprises amajority weight percent of ethylene (based on the weight of theinterpolymer).

The term “ethylene/propylene/non-conjugated diene terpolymer,” as usedherein, refers to a polymer that comprises, in polymerized form,ethylene, an α-olefin, and a non-conjugated diene, as the only monomertypes. In one embodiment, the “terpolymer” comprises a majority weightpercent of ethylene (based on the weight of the terpolymer).

The term, “ethylene/α-olefin copolymer,” as used herein, refers to acopolymer that comprises, in polymerized form, 50 wt % or a majorityamount of ethylene monomer (based on the weight of the copolymer), andan α-olefin, as the only two monomer types.

The term, “propylene-based polymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymerthat comprises, in polymerized form, a majority amount of propylenemonomer (based on the weight of the polymer), and optionally maycomprise one or more comonomers.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives,are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component,step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. Inorder to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of theterm “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, orcompound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary.In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from thescope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step orprocedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. Theterm “consisting of” excludes any component, step or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed.

Test Methods Density

Samples that are measured for density are prepared according to ASTMD-1928. Within one hour of sample pressing, measurement are made usingASTM D-792, Method B.

Melt Index

Melt index (I₂) is measured in accordance with ASTM-D 1238, Condition190° C./2.16 kg, and is reported in grams eluted per 10 minutes.

Conventional Gel Permeation Chromatography (Cony. GPC)

A GPC-IR high temperature chromatographic system from, PolymerChAR(Valencia, Spain), was equipped with a Precision Detectors (Amherst,Mass.), 2-angle laser light scattering detector Model 2040, an IR5infra-red detector and a 4-capillary viscometer, both from PolymerChAR.Data collection was performed using PolymerChAR Instrument Controlsoftware and data collection interface. The system was equipped with anon-line, solvent degas device and pumping system from AgilentTechnologies (Santa Clara, Calif.).

Injection temperature was controlled at 150 degrees Celsius. The columnswere three 10-micron “Mixed-B” columns from Polymer Laboratories(Shropshire, UK). The solvent was 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. The sampleswere prepared at a concentration of “0.1 grams of polymer in 50milliliters of solvent.” The chromatographic solvent and the samplepreparation solvent each contained “200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT).” Both solvent sources were nitrogen sparged. Ethylene-basedpolymer samples were stirred gently at 160 degrees Celsius for threehours. The injection volume was 200 microliters, and the flow rate wasone milliliters/minute. The GPC column set was calibrated by running 21“narrow molecular weight distribution” polystyrene standards. Themolecular weight (MW) of the standards ranges from 580 to 8,400,000g/mole, and the standards were contained in six “cocktail” mixtures.Each standard mixture had at least a decade of separation betweenindividual molecular weights. The standard mixtures were purchased fromPolymer Laboratories. The polystyrene standards were prepared at “0.025g in 50 mL of solvent” for molecular weights equal to, or greater than,1,000,000 g/mole, and at “0.050 g in 50 mL of solvent” for molecularweights less than 1,000,000 g/mole.

The polystyrene standards were dissolved at 80° C., with gentleagitation, for 30 minutes. The narrow standards mixtures were run first,and in order of decreasing “highest molecular weight component,” tominimize degradation. The polystyrene standard peak molecular weightswere converted to polyethylene molecular weight using Equation 1 (asdescribed in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Letters, 6, 621(1968)):

Mpolyethylene=A×(Mpolystyrene)^(B)  (Eqn. 1),

where M is the molecular weight, A is equal to 0.4316 and B is equal to1.0.

Number-average molecular weight (Mn(conv gpc)), weight average molecularweight (Mw-conv gpc), and z-average molecular weight (Mz(conv gpc)) werecalculated according to Equations 2-4 below.

$\begin{matrix}{{{Mn}\left( {{conv}\mspace{14mu} {gpc}} \right)} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\; \left( {IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}} \right)}{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\; \left( {{IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}}\text{/}{Log}\; M_{{PE}_{i}}} \right)}.}} & \left( {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right) \\{{{Mw}\left( {{conv}\mspace{14mu} {gpc}} \right)} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\; \left( {{Log}\; M_{{PE}_{i}}{IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}}} \right)}{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\; \left( {IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}} \right)}.}} & \left( {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 3} \right) \\{{{Mz}\left( {{conv}\mspace{14mu} {gpc}} \right)} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\left( {{Log}\; M_{{PE}_{i}^{2}}\mspace{14mu} {IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}}} \right)}{\sum\limits_{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {start}}}^{i = {{RV}\mspace{14mu} {integration}\mspace{14mu} {end}}}\left( {{Log}\; M_{{PE}_{i}}\mspace{14mu} {IR}_{{measurement}\mspace{14mu} {channel}_{i}}} \right)}.}} & \left( {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 4} \right)\end{matrix}$

In Equations 2-4, the RV is the column retention volume(linearly-spaced), collected at “1 point per second,” the IR is thebaseline-subtracted IR detector signal, in Volts, from the IR5measurement channel of the GPC instrument, and Log M_(PE) is derivedfrom the polyethylene-equivalent MW determined from Equation 1. Datacalculation were performed using “GPC One software (version 2.013H)”from PolymerChAR.

Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy (DMS)

Small angle oscillatory shear (melt DMS) was performed using a TAInstruments ARES, equipped with “25 mm parallel plates,” under anitrogen purge. The time between sample loading, and the beginning ofthe test, was set to five minutes for all samples. The experiments wereperformed at 190° C., over a frequency range of 0.1 to 100 rad/s. Thestrain amplitude was adjusted, based upon the response of the samples,from 1 to 3%. The stress response was analyzed in terms of amplitude andphase, from which, the storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), dynamicviscosity η*, tan delta, and phase angle were determined. Theviscosities V0.1 at 190° C. and V100 at 190° C., and rheology ratio(V0.1/V100 at 190° C.; also referred to as “RR”) were recorded.Specimens for Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy were “25 mm diameter×3.3mm thick” compression molded discs, formed at 180° C., and 10 MPamolding pressure, for five minutes, and then quenched between chilledplatens (15-20° C.) for two minutes.

13C NMR Method for EPDM Composition Analysis

The samples were prepared by adding approximately “2.6 g of a 50/50mixture of tetrachloroethane-d2/orthodichlorobenzene containing 0.025Min chromium acetylacetonate (relaxation agent)” to “0.2 g sample” in a“10 mm” NMR tube. The samples were dissolved and homogenized by heatingthe tube and its contents to 150° C. The data were collected using aBruker 400 MHz spectrometer, equipped with a Bruker Dual DULhigh-temperature CryoProbe. The data was acquired using 160 scans perdata file, a 6 second pulse repetition delay, with a sample temperatureof 120° C. The acquisition was carried out using a spectral width of25,000 Hz and a file size of 32K data points.

NMR spectral analyses of the composition of the examples were carriedout using the following analysis method. Quantitation of monomerspresent in EPDM can be calculated using the following equations (1Athrough 9A).

The calculation of moles ethylene normalizes the spectral range from55.0-5.0 ppm to 1000 integral units. The contribution under thenormalized integral area only accounts for 7 of the ENB carbons. The ENBdiene peaks at 111 and 147 ppm are excluded from the calculation due toconcerns that double bonds may react at high temperatures.

$\begin{matrix}{\mspace{76mu} {{{molesEth} = \frac{\left( {1000 - {3*{molesP}} - {7*{molesENB}}} \right)}{2}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1A} \\{\mspace{76mu} {{{molesENB} = {{CH}\; 3\left( {13.6 - {14.7\mspace{14mu} {ppm}}} \right)}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2A} \\{\mspace{76mu} {{{molesP} = {{CH}\; 3\left( {19.5 - {22.0\mspace{14mu} {ppm}}} \right)}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3A} \\{\mspace{76mu} {{{{mole}\% {ethylene}} = \frac{100*{molesE}}{{molesE} + {molesP} + {molesENB}}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4A} \\{\mspace{76mu} {{{{mole}\% {propylene}} = \frac{100*{moles}}{{molesE} + {molesP} + {molesENB}}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 5A} \\{\mspace{76mu} {{{{mole}\% {ENB}} = \frac{100*{molesENB}}{{molesE} + {molesP} + {molesENB}}},}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6A} \\{{{{Wt}\% {ethylene}} = \frac{100*{moles}\% E*28}{{{mole}\% E*28} + {{mole}\% P*42} + {{moleENB}*120}}},} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 7A} \\{{{{Wt}\% {propylene}} = \frac{100*{mole}\% P*42}{\left. {{mole}\% E*28}\rightleftarrows{{{mole}\% P*42} + {{mole}\% {ENB}*120}} \right.}},} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 8A} \\{{{Wt}\% {ENB}} = {\frac{100*{mole}\% {ENB}*120}{{{mole}\% E*28} + {{mole}\% P*42} + {{mole}\% {ENB}*120}}.}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 9A}\end{matrix}$

Further NMR spectral analysis of the inventive first compositionsdisplays a peak area, from 21.3 ppm to 21.8 ppm (% PP Tacticity Marker),greater than 5.0% (further greater than 10.0%) of the total integralarea from 19.5 ppm to 22.0 ppm. Similar spectral analysis of somecomparative compositions, show less than 3.0% of the total integral areafrom 19.5 ppm to 22.0 ppm. Spectral data are referenced to the EEEbackbone at 30 ppm. Peak responses in this region have been typicallyrelated to differences in propylene tacticity incorporated into thepolymer. A similar analysis can be done for another type ofethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene interpolymer.

Further NMR spectral analysis of some EPDMs displayed a peak area(corresponding to CH₃ of the aliphatic chain end) from chemical shiftregion 14.0 to 14.3 ppm, which when the total integrated area (chemicalshift region 1 to 55 ppm) is set to a value of 1000, integrates to apeak area greater than 0.5 (>0.5 chain ends per 1000 carbons, ACE).Similar spectral analysis of other EPDMs showed less than 0.5 ACE or nondetected of the total integral area from 10 to 55 ppm. Spectral datawere referenced to the EEE backbone at 30 ppm. Peak responses in thisregion typically are related to differences in chain ends that have beenincorporated into the EPDM. A similar analysis can be done for anothertype of ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene interpolymer.

Mooney Viscosity

Mooney Viscosity (ML1+4 at 100° C., or 125° C.) and Mooney StressRelaxation were measured in accordance with ASTM 1646, with a one minutepreheat time and a four minute rotor operation time, using the Largerotor. The instrument is an Alpha Technologies Mooney Viscometer 2000.

The viscosity of each formulated compositions was measured using anuncured blanket (see experimental section), so that the viscosity of theuncured composition could be examined. Samples were conditioned for 24hours at room temperature, prior to testing. Mooney relaxation area wasdetermined by suddenly stopping the rotor at the end of the Mooneyviscosity test, and observing the torque as it decays. The collection ofdata started one second after stopping the rotor, and continued until100 seconds had passed, since the rotor was stopped. The area under thetorque-time curve (“MLRA”) is indicative of the amount of stored elasticenergy in the polymer.

Mooney Scorch

Scorch properties of each composition was measured in accordance to ASTMD-1646, using an Alpha Technologies Mooney Viscometer 2000. Mooneyviscometer was set at 125° C. The Mooney scorch values were reported fora small rotor, and represented the time to rise “x Mooney units” abovethe minimum viscosity (e.g. t5 is a “five Mooney unit” increase inviscosity). The total test time was 30 minutes, with a 1 minute preheattime. The viscosity of each composition was measured from uncuredblanket, cured in the viscometer, so that the scorch properties could beexamined. Samples were conditioned for at least 24 hours at roomtemperature, prior to testing.

RPA Analysis

Curing characteristics of each formulation were measured in accordanceto ASTM D-6204, using an Alpha Technologies Rheometer RPA 2000P. Therheology of each formulated composition was measured from samples ofuncured blanket, which was then cured during the RPA analysis. Sampleswere conditioned for at least 24 hours, at room temperature, prior totesting. The RPA test was carried out at 160° C. and 180° C., over a 25minutes. The RPA die oscillating frequency was set at 100 cycle perminute (CPM), shear strain was set at 7%. The visco-elastic properties,such as minimum torque (ML), maximum torque (MH), tan delta at minimumtorque, tan delta at maximum torque, and time to reach a certainpercentage of the torque at the end of the test or the maximum torque,whichever is higher (for example, tc95 corresponds to the time inminutes to reach the 95% of the torque at the end of the test or themaximum torque, whichever is higher), were measured during the curecycle.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following examples illustrate the present invention but are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. Materials are shown inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Materials information Component Brand name CharacteristicSupplier Inventive NORDEL EPDM DOW example EPT 4045 MITSUI EPT EPDMMitsui ETP 4045 M MITSUI EPT EPDM Mitsui ZnO RHENOGRAN ® ZNO-85activator Rheinchemie Stearic acid Stearic acid activator National pharmPEG 3350 Carbowax process aid DOW TMQ VULKANOX HS/LG antioxidant LanxessCarbon SPHERON 5000A filler Cabot black N-550 Carbon SPHERON 6400Afiller Cabot black N-774 Whitening OMYACARB filler Omya (treated)Parafinic oil SUNPAR 2280 plasticizer Sunoco CaO-80 RHENOGRAN ® CAO-80desiccant Rheinchemie CBS-80 RHENOGRAN ® CBS-80 accelerator RheinchemieMBTS-80 RHENOGRAN ® accelerator Rheinchemie MBTS-75 ZDBC-80 RHENOGRAN ®accelerator Rheinchemie ZDBC-75 ZDEC-80 RHENOGRAN ® acceleratorRheinchemie ZDEC-80 TETD-80 CUREBEAD ® accelerator RheinchemiePB(TETD)-75 DTDM-80 RHENOGRAN ® accelerator Rheinchemie DTDM-80 DPG-80RHENOGRAN ® DPG-80 accelerator Rheinchemie ETU-80 RHENOGRAN ® ETU-75accelerator Rheinchemie S-80 RHENOGRAN ® S-80 curative Rheinchemie

First Composition 1—Continuous Polymerization

The polymerization reaction was performed under steady state conditions,that is, constant reactant concentration and continual input of solvent,monomers, and catalyst, and constant withdrawal of unreacted monomers,solvent and polymer. The reactor system was cooled and pressurized toprevent formation of a vapor phase. Monomers: ethylene (CAS 74-85-1);propylene (CAS 115-07-1); 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, ENB (CAS16219-75-3).

The first composition was produced in a solution polymerization processusing a continuous stir-tanked reactor followed by loop reactor.Ethylene was introduced in a mixture of a solvent of ISOPAR E (availablefrom ExxonMobil), propylene was introduced and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene(ENB) was introduced, each forming a reactor feed stream. Catalyst wasfed to each the reactor separately, and activated in-situ usingco-catalyst 1 and co-catalyst 2.

The outlet of each reactor was consequently a mixture of polymer,solvent, and reduced levels of the initial monomers. The outlet of thefirst reactor was fed directly into the second reactor (unless otherwisesampled). The molecular weight of the polymer was controlled byadjusting each reactor's temperature, monomer conversion and/or theaddition of a chain terminating agent such as hydrogen.

After polymerization, a small amount of water was introduced into thereactor exit stream as a catalyst kill, and the reactor exit stream wasintroduced into a flash vessel, in which the solids concentration wasincreased by at least 100 percent. A portion of the unreacted monomers,that is, ENB, ethylene, and propylene, and the unused diluent were thencollected, and recycled back to the reactor feeds as appropriate. Seealso U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,977,251 and 6,545,088, and the references therein.

Monomer feed rate and polymerization temperature and other conditionsare listed in below in Tables 2A and 2B. Properties of the firstcomposition 1 are shown in Tables 3-6. Comparative compositions are alsolisted in Tables 4-6.

TABLE 2A Reaction Conditions for First Composition 1 Ethyl- Propyl-Reactor Reactor Solvent ene ene ENB C2 Volume, Temp. Pressure Feed FeedFeed Feed H2 Concen. [gal] [deg C.] [psig] [lb/hr] [lb/hr] [lb/hr][lb/hr] Mol % [g/L] EPDM-R1 24.1 (CSTR) 103.30 638.98 140.0 9.18 10.833.07 0.019 9.26 (reactor 1) EPDM 30.6 (Loop) 157.98 625.25 39.9 13.6526.15 4.27 2.10 11.03

TABLE 2B Reaction Conditions for First Composition 1 Catalyst* CatalystCocat- Cocat-1 Cocat- Cocat-2 Efficiency Cat. Solution 1** Solution 2***Solution [lb_poly/ Flow Conc. Flow Conc. Flow Conc. Productionlb_metal]*10E6 [lb/hr] (ppm) [lb/hr] ppm [lb/hr] [ppm] Rate [lb/hr]EPDM-R1 0.61 0.76 29.91 1.16 259.76 0.24 996.31 13.95 (reactor 1) EPDM0.43 0.34 159.92 0.36 1999.94 0.65 996.31 23.01 *Catalyst is[[2′,2″′-[1,3-propanediylbis(oxy-kO)]bis[3-[3,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-9H-carbazol-9-yl]-5′-fluoro-5-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-olato-kO]](2-)]-hafniumdimethyl. **Cocatalyst-1 was a mixture of methyldi(C14-18 alkyl)ammoniumsalts of tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, prepared by reaction of along chain trialkylamine (ARMEEN M2HT, available from Akzo-Nobel, Inc.),HCl and Li[B(C6F5)4], substantially as disclosed in USP 5,919,988 (Ex.2). Cocatalyst-1 was purchased from Boulder Scientific, and used withoutfurther purification. ***Cocatalyst-2 (modified methylalumoxane (MMAO))was purchased from Akzo Nobel, and used without further purification.

TABLE 3 First Composition 1 Mooney Viscosity Mw_(conv) C2 Component wt %split ML@125° C. (g/mol) wt % ENB wt % Overall 33 155359 55 8.5Reactor-1 35 300000

TABLE 4 First Compositions Properties Comparative First ComparativeFirst Molecular weight and distribution First Composition 1 Composition2 (GPC_(conv)) Composition 1 (Mitsui EPT 4045) (Mitsui EPT 4045M) Mn(g/mole) 43,155 33,845 45,748 Mw (g/mole) 155,359 130,214 108,884 Mz(g/mole) 439,319 418,646 204,179 MWD 3.60 3.8 2.38 Ethylene % 55 55.949.5 ENB % 8.5 6.9 4.7 Viscosity @ 0.1 rad/s, 190° C. (Pa · s)* 58,58030557 38188 Rheology Ratio V0.1/V100* 33 14 16 tanDelta @ 0.1 rad/s,190° C. (Pa · s)* 1.22 2.27 2.22 [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190°C.))] 360,098 184,426 91,973 (g/mole) Tm (° C.) −12 −21.5 −18.5 Tg (°C.) Approx. −45 −51.5 −48.5 *No oil.

As see in Table 4, the first composition 1 has a broader MWD comparedwith the comparative first composition 2 (metallocene type referenceEPDM2 (Mitsui EPT 4045M)), and similar MWD to comparative firstcomposition 1 (Ziegler-Natta type EPDM1 (Mitsui EPT 4045)). The firstcomposition 1 also had a much low loss factor (tan delta), especially atlow shear rate, which indicates a superior melt elasticity, as comparedwith two comparative first compositions.

Additional rheological properties are shown in Tables 5 and 6. As seenin these tables, the first composition has a higher Mooney viscositythan the comparatives, but due to its high molecular weight and highbranching, the MLRA of the first composition is significantly higher(296 versus 206 and 148) than the comparatives. As seen from thenormalized Mooney viscosity basis (MLRA/ML), the first composition has ahigher ratio of 5.65 versus 4.58, and 3.15, respectively to thecomparative first compositions. The higher MLRA/ML ratio indicates thatthe first composition is more elastic nature, which results in itsbetter processability; improved green strength, roll mill andcalendaring stability, and improved consistency in extrusion output.

TABLE 5 Mooney Viscosity and Mooney stress relaxation area of the FirstComposition and Comparative First Compositions at 100° C. ComparativeComparative First Comp. 1 First Comp. 2 Mooney and Mooney (Mitsui(Mitsui Relaxation Test* First Comp. 1 EPT 4045) EPT 4045M) ML 1 + 4 @100° C. 52.43 44.96 47.07 MLRA 296.03 205.84 148.18 Slope −0.611 −0.641−0.818 MLRA/ML 5.65 4.58 3.15 *No oil.

TABLE 6 Mooney Viscosity and Mooney stress relaxation area of the FirstComposition and Comparative First Compositions at 125° C. ComparativeFirst Comparative First Mooney Composition 1 Composition 2 and MooneyFirst (Mitsui (Mitsui Relaxation Test* Composition 1 EPT 4045) EPT4045M) ML 1 + 4 @ 32.97 28.08 28.65 125° C. MLRA 147.86 110.58 95.97Slope −0.702 −0.674 −0.767 MLRA/ML 4.48 3.94 3.35 *No oil.

An additional inventive “first composition 2” was prepared, and comparedagainst other comparative first compositions, as shown in Table 7 below.The first compositions 1 and 2 meet the following relationship:“[(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥250,000 g/mole,” which isindicative of a proper balance of high molecular weight and sufficientbranching for a good balance of efficient mixing, processing, physicalproperties and compound green strength. Also, the first compositions 1and 2 meet the following relationship: “[(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec,190° C.))]/(MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≥12,000 g/mole,” which is indicative of aproper balance of high molecular weight and branching to provide a goodbalance of efficient mixing, processing, physical properties andcompound green strength on a normalized Mooney viscosity basis. Thehigher rheology ratio of the first composition also helps to improve thepolymer's processability, such as better mold filling during injectionmolding, and to minimize defects such as sharkskin melt fracture duringextrusion.

TABLE 7 Inventive and Comparative First Compositions* EPDM EPDM EPDMEPDM EPDM EPDM 3430 3640 3720P 3722P 3745P 4520 Composition % C2 42.055.2 70.2 70.6 70.3 56.1 % C3 57.2 43.3 29.3 28.6 29.3 41.7 % ENB 0.881.50 0.56 0.82 0.42 2.29 Mooney ML (1 + 4) MU 27.3 38.6 19.1 16.9 45.921.0 No oil 125° C. Density Density g/cm3 0.854 0.856 0.867 0.868 0.8640.856 Conventional Mn g/mol 53,690 45,620 28,350 24,200 56,440 59,000GPC Mw g/mol 119,420 145,620 114,810 96,310 142,710 167,770 Mz g/mol221,300 356,300 358,700 260,800 273,500 369,100 Mw/Mn 2.22 3.19 4.053.98 2.53 2.84 ARES- V0.1 190° C. Pa-s 11,870 4,390 1,819 4,094 11,4598,328 190° C. V100 190° C. Pa-s 379 228 122 112 326 311 RR (V0.1/V100)31.3 19.2 15.0 36.6 35.1 26.8 TD0.1 190° C. 1.31 1.93 2.39 1.37 1.111.41 TD100 190° C. 0.55 0.70 0.83 0.79 0.70 0.59 Elasticity Mz/TD0.1168,665 185,021 150,159 190,118 246,694 261,736 Factor % PP <3 <3 <3 <3<3 <3 Tacticity NMR Normalized [Mz/TD0.1]/ 6,178 4,793 7,862 11,2505,375 12,464 Elasticity [MV] Factor EPDM EPDM EPDM First First 46404725P 4820P Comp. 2 Comp. 1 Composition % C2 54.9 70.9 55.0 55 % C3 41.424.3 36.5 % ENB 3.74 4.78 4.97 8.50 8.5 Mooney ML (1 + 4) MU 39.0 25.519.8 30.0 33.0 No oil 125° C. Density Density g/cm3 0.872 0.907Conventional Mn g/mol 36,900 33,350 36,320 36,137 43,155 GPC Mw g/mol136,090 121,640 85,090 184,768 155,359 Mz g/mol 334,600 332,800 163,300658,158 439,319 Mw/Mn 3.69 3.65 2.34 5.11 3.60 ARES- V0.1 190° C. Pa-s4,512 3,282 1,163 57,266 58,580 190° C. V100 190° C. Pa-s 211 166 1572,020 1775 RR (V0.1/V100) 21.4 19.8 7.4 28.3 33 TD0.1 190° C. 1.76 1.704.86 1.30 1.22 TD100 190° C. 0.69 0.79 1.17 0.70 0.71 ElasticityMz/TD0.1 189,806 195,713 33,589 506,275 360,098 Factor % PP <3 2.0 <3 1717 Tacticity NMR Normalized [Mz/TD0.1]/ 4,867 7,675 1,696 16,876 10,912Elasticity [MV] Factor *No oil.

Final Compositions

Each final composition was prepared using a standard “up-side down” mix,with calcium carbonate, carbon black, oil, stearic acid and EPDM addedinitially in a Banbury mixer, at a rotor speed of 77 rpm, and with therotors and chamber conditioned to 50° C. The ZnO and other curativeswere added in the sweep (at 65° C.). The intermediate composition wasdropped at 100° C. Mixing of this composition was completed on a 6″2roll mill at ambient conditions, and the composition was “sheeted out”in the form of a blanket. After milling, the entire composition was cutinto strips in preparation for extrusion and further testing.

Final compositions are listed in Table 8 below. Properties of eachcomposition are shown in Tables 9-12 below. Curing profiles are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

TABLE 8 Final Compositions (parts by weight) Inventive ComparativeComparative Composition Composition Composition F-1 F-a F-b FirstComposition 1 100 Comp. First Composition 1 100 Comp. First Composition2 100 ZnO 5 5 5 Stearic acid 2 2 2 PEG 3350 2 2 2 TMQ 1 1 1 Carbon blackN-550 60 60 60 Carbon black N-774 40 40 40 Whitening (treated) 40 40 40Parafinic oil, SUNPAR 2280 30 30 30 CaO-80 6 6 6 MBTS-80 1.5 1.5 1.5ZDBC-80 1.5 1.5 1.5 ZDEC-80 1.5 1.5 1.5 TETD-80 1 1 1 DTDM-80 1.5 1.51.5 ETU-80 1 1 1 S-80 1 1 1 Total 295 295 295

TABLE 9 Mooney Viscosity and Mooney Stress Relaxation InventiveComparative Composition Composition Comparative F-1 F-a Composition F-bML 1 + 4 @ 100° C. 71.43 62.18 63.70 MLRA 1138.59 567.18 476.54 Slope−0.29 −0.37 −0.42 MLRA/ML 15.94 9.12 7.48

TABLE 10 Cure Characteristics of Inventive and Comparative CompositionsComparative Comparative Rheometer (RPA), Inventive compositioncomposition 160° C., 0.5 degree arc composition F-1 F-a F-b ML 2.46 2.251.76 MH 19.16 14.22 17.39 MH − ML 16.7 11.97 15.63 tc10 0.59 0.6 0.90.1 * (MH − ML)/Tc10 2.83 2.00 1.74 tc50 1.44 1.33 2.08 tc90 7.44 2.945.44 tc95 13.31 4.06 7.19 Tan delta @ ML 1.11 1.08 1.10 Tan delta @ MH0.28 0.36 0.32

TABLE 11 Cure Characteristics of Inventive and Comparative CompositionsComparative Comparative Rheometer (RPA), Inventive compositioncomposition 180° C., 0.5 degree arc composition F-1 F-a F-b ML (low)2.31 1.4 1.74 MH (high) 21.88 16.03 20.93 MH − ML 19.57 14.63 19.19 tc100.34 0.4 0.47 0.1 * (MH − ML)/Tc10 5.76 3.65 4.08 tc50 0.68 0.84 0.99tc90 11.51 3.63 14.84 tc95 13.95 8.07 17.99 Tan delta @ ML 1.00 0.971.08 Tan delta @ MH 0.19 0.35 0.29

TABLE 12 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Inventive and ComparativeCompositions Inventive Comparative Comparative composition compositioncomposition F-1 F-a F-b Density (g/cc) 1.25 1.25 1.24 Hardness (10seconds), Sh.A 70.7 70.5 72.9  10% modulus, MPa 6.48 7.55 8.05  20%modulus, MPa 5.05 5.87 5.91  30% modulus, MPa 4.33 5.02 4.91  40%modulus, MPa 3.94 4.54 4.35  50% modulus, MPa 3.72 4.26 4.01 100%modulus, MPa 3.54 3.86 3.5 200% modulus, MPa 3.34 3.39 3.03 Tensilestrength, MPa 8.34 11.2 8.4 Elongation at break, % 269.9 340.4 341.1Tear resistance (DieC), kN/m 26.09 32.97 29.45

The inventive composition shows a fast cure, as seen by the higher“0.1*(MH-ML)/Tc10” values, and higher curing efficiency (higher MH-ML).The inventive composition also has a higher Mooney relaxation area(MLRA). The higher Mooney relaxation area means rubber compound hashigher melt elasticity, which provides for better carbon blackincorporation during mixing, and improved dimension stability duringextrusion. The unique properties of the inventive first composition alsohelp to improve processability, such as better mold filling duringinjection molding, and to minimize defects such as sharkskin meltfracture during extrusion. No multifunctional branching agent is neededfor long chain branching for the inventive compositions. The inventivecomposition also has good green strength, as indicated by the low tandelta values. The inventive composition show good modulus at lowdeformation and good tear strength. Overall, the inventive compositionscan be used to provide high green strength and low iridescent (lowdiscoloration), which fulfills the current needs for faster rubberextrusion processes and faster injection molding processes.

Additional Comparative Compositions

Additional comparative compositions are shown in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Additional Compositions EPDM01 EPDM02 EPDM03 EPDM25 EPDM70EPDM01 Second Second Second EPDM25 Second Second First Reactor ReactorReactor First Reactor Reactor VISTALON Reactor* Final* Final* Final*Reactor* Final* Final* 3666 Mz_(conv) 269500 229100 371262 368251 391200304200 339700 (g/mole) MWD_(conv) 2.20 2.69 2.13 2.11 2.69 3.4 2.383.18** tanDelta @ 0.79 1.27 1.45 1.58 1.0 2.0 1.35 0.1 rad/s, 190° C.(Pa · s)*** [(Mz)/(tan 341139 180394 256042 233070 145428 152100251630 >250000 delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))] (g/mole) *Compositionsfrom International Publication WO2014/084893. **Average of two lots.***No oil.

The comparative compositions have a MWD less than 3.50. The secondreactor compositions for EPDM01, EPDM03, EPDM25, and the EPDM25 (firstreactor) have an “Mz/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.)” less than250,000 g/mole. Thus, these comparative compositions would not have thebalance of good mixing and good physical properties (as indicated byhigher MWD_(conv) and Mz_(conv)), and high elasticity, as indicated by[(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))] (from the combination ofbranching and molecular weight), for good processing and compound greenstrength.

1. A composition comprising a first composition, which comprises a firstethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, and wherein thefirst composition comprises the following properties: a) a molecularweight distribution MWD(conv)≥3.50, and b) a [(Mz)/(tan delta (0.1rad/sec, 190° C.))]≥250,000 g/mole.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the first composition has a MV (1+4, 125° C.)≤55.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first composition has atan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190 C)≥0.9.
 4. The composition of any one of theprevious claims, wherein the first composition has a [(Mz)/(tan delta(0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.))]/(MV (ML1+4, 125° C.)≥9,000 g/mole.
 5. Thecomposition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the firstcomposition has a rheology ratio RR=[V (0.1 rad/sec, 190° C.)/V (100rad/sec, 190 C)]≥15.
 6. The composition of any one of the previousclaims, wherein the first composition has a tan delta (0.1 rad/sec, 190°C.)] from 0.90 to 1.50.
 7. The composition of any one of the previousclaims, wherein the composition comprises ≥95 wt % of the firstcomposition, based on the weight of the composition.
 8. The compositionof any one of the previous claims, wherein the first composition furthercomprises a second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated dieneinterpolymer, and wherein the secondethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer differs from thefirst ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer in one ormore of the following properties, Mw_(conv), Mn_(conv), MWD_(conv), MV(ML1+4, 125° C.), wt % diene (based on the weight of the interpolymer),and/or wt % ethylene (based on the weight of the interpolymer).
 9. Thecomposition of claim 8, wherein the first composition comprises ≥95 wt %of the first ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer andthe second ethylene/alpha-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer,based on the weight of the first composition.
 10. An article comprisingat least one component formed from the composition of any one of theprevious claims.